Three-time American Le Mans Series Champion and two-time Le Mans 24 Hours winner Allan McNish will lead the judging panel for the global driver search for young racing talent. The search will culminate in a competition held at Infineon Raceway on December 19-22, in which two drivers will each be awarded a full season in the 2010 Jim Russell Championship Series. Applications and information packets are now available at www.jimrussellusa.com.

The Future Driver Search will set out to discover young drivers throughout the world who contain the raw talent and dedication needed to become a modern racing driver. Unlike other programs, the Future Driver Search will judge applicants across multiple disciplines, including karting and track time in the school's FJR-50 racecars. The judging panel, led by McNish, will analyze the driving style and associated skill set of each driver. Drivers will be judged on speed, car control and mechanical knowledge. In addition, off-track attributes will be considered, including character, strategy, media interviews and physical/professional presentation.

“In my career, I was fortunate enough to have been given the guidance and opportunities to show and develop my potential, and today, I strongly feel that there are few things as important as the cultivation of the next generation of young talent,” said McNish. “The Jim Russell programs offer drivers from around the world unrivalled assets, and the tools necessary to take the next step in their racing career.”

The announcement reinforces Emotive and McNish's dedication to the development of driving skills within the racing community. The four-day competition begins December 19 through 22 at the Jim Russell Racing Drivers School state-of-the-art facility at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif. Once selected, the drivers will compete in the full 2010 Jim Russell Championship Series in the Lola FJR-50 Formula 3-based racecar. With the Future Driver Search, Jim Russell continues to expand the talent pool for the Jim Russell Championship Series with international drivers.

“This is the opportunity of a lifetime for a young driver,” said Chip Pankow, president, Jim Russell Racing Drivers School. “The Future Driver Search provides aspiring drivers from around the world the opportunity to be evaluated by Allan McNish and a panel of industry experts, with the two-best drivers being awarded a full season in our 2010 Jim Russell Championship Series.”

For more information about the 2010 Jim Russell Championship Series Future Driver Search, or to download the information packet and application, in the U.S., call 1-877-229-9855; outside the U.S. dial 1-707-939-2755; or visit www.jimrussellusa.com.